Season 3 of 'Studio C' on BYUtv

The popularity of BYUtv's "Studio C" is rising and the third season started shooting July 19.

Jaren Wilkey/BYU

Summary

It's one of the hottest shows on BYUtv. "Studio C" is a clean sketch-comedy program that families can feel comfortable about watching together. The popularity of the show is rising and the third season started shooting July 19.

“People who are not LDS have written in and told us they appreciate the show. Some people think it is just Mormon humor on TV but when they take the time to actually watch it, I think they are pleasantly surprised.”

PROVO — One of the hottest shows on BYUtv. “Studio C” is a clean sketch-comedy program that families can feel comfortable about watching together. Imagine “Saturday Night Live” without the sexual innuendos, language and vulgarity. The popularity of the show is rising and the third season started shooting July 19.

Originating from the BYU broadcast building in Provo, this comedy show gets its name directly from the studio at BYU where it is filmed, Studio C.

The program is filmed in front of a live studio audience. Close to 200 people attend the live tapings and getting tickets can be difficult.

“We broadcast the program via 866 cable channels, DISH Network, DirecTV and the Internet,” said Scott Swofford, director of content at BYUtv. “It’s carried in more than 50 million homes and YouTube videos with over 4 million views.”

One of the changes for season 3 with Studio C is the writing talent.

“My co-hosts and I do a lion’s share of the writing but next season there will be additional writers brought in to help,” said Mallory Everton, one of the four main cast members.

The new writers will attempt to bring fresh ideas and creativity for new sketches. The creative team is also reaching out to local music artists to add depth, quality and variety to the musical aspects of the show.

The set will also get an upgrade.

“We will have two to three walls now on set so we can do more creative things,” “Studio C” producer Jared Shores said. “We plan on adding more flooring and backdrops, too.”

When it comes to sketches, some old favorites will be back as well as new content.

“The ‘shoulder angel’ is probably the most popular sketch but Bane, Gandalf and the Facebook Friends song are also popular,” Shores said. “We will have better music sketches in season 3 that will add credibility to the show. Also watch out for a World Wrestling Federation sketch.”

The “shoulder angel” sketch involves actor Matt Meese physically climbing up a person to sit on a shoulder to give advice in moral situations.

“It doesn’t really hurt when Matt climbs up your body,” said Jason Gray, one of the four main cast members. “I told him he better not gain any weight, though. A prior actor had to wear a back brace.”

Originally the show, inspired by the BYU student comedy troupe Divine Comedy, was planned only for a single season — a test to see if it would work. Now there are thousands of fans.

The popularity of the show is a result of a few key ingredients, Shores said.

“The cast and crew are fantastic,” Shores said. “There’s such a great synergy. Everyone believes in having fun and encouraging people to laugh as a family. It’s nice to not worry about the content of a show you’re watching. We enjoy providing entertainment that people can laugh at.”

Whitney Call, one of the four main cast members, said she is “amazed by the fans of the show that include grade-school kids, teenagers and adults.”

Said Meese: “I think the popularity is due to the fact that people can enjoy it with their family. It is engaging and fun.”

According to Gray, “People who are not LDS have written in and told us they appreciate the show.

“Some people think it is just Mormon humor on TV but when they take the time to actually watch it, I think they are pleasantly surprised,” Gray said. “It would be great if we continue to increase the non-LDS (viewers) that watch the show.”